If you’re at IoPPN, your student experience probably looks a bit different from the rest of King’s. Between clinical placements, lab rotations, and research deadlines, students can sometimes feel disconnected from the wider community. But the truth is, the skills you’re already developing at Denmark Hill or online are exactly what KCLSU needs. 

Here are five reasons why IoPPN students should really consider standing in the 2026 KCLSU Elections:

1. You’re already an expert in advocacy

Whether you’ve spotted a way to improve a clinical placement pathway or identified an improvement that could be made to a module, you’ve already been acting as a leader. As a Representative, your job is to take that mindset and use it to amplify the voices of over 46,000 students.

2. You’re uniquely positioned for wellbeing leadership

Issues like mental health, wellbeing, and inclusion are at the very heart of the KCLSU mission. Because of your academic background, you have a unique perspective on these issues. Whether you run for VP Welfare & Community or VP Education (Health), you are uniquely equipped to lead on these priorities with expertise.

3. You can influence high-level policy

Being a Student Officer isn’t just about organising events or engaging with the student community. You're a Trustee of a multi-million-pound charity! You'll sit on the College Council and the Academic Board, using the same evidence-based approach you use in your studies to influence university-wide policy.

4. You understand the diversity of the King's experience

KCLSU represents all campuses, not just the Strand. We need diversity in our Officers, including those who understand the specific realities of Denmark Hill, Guy’s, and our fully online cohorts. By standing, you ensure that the specific needs of IoPPN students, such as placement-friendly schedules and postgraduate-specific resources, aren't overlooked.

5. It’s a MASSIVE career boost

Through this role, you'll build skills in stakeholder management, strategic leadership, and public speaking that are highly valued in both clinical and academic careers.

Some of the common concerns students have:

• "I don't have the time."
  The Officer role is a full-time, paid sabbatical position with a salary of £31,116. If you’re elected, you take a year out from your studies to focus entirely on the role, so you don't have to balance it with your degree.
• "What about my funding, visa, or supervisor?"
  We provide guidance for international and PGR students. King’s has established processes for "interrupting" your studies, and we can provide templates to help you have those conversations with your supervisors or funders.
• "I’m a researcher/clinician, not a politician."
  No experience in politics or campaigning is needed, all you need to care about is the King's community and enacting change! KCLSU provides a robust induction process, training you in everything from campaigning to public speaking to make sure you feel confident from day one.

Ready to make a change?

• The Roles: You can run for President, or one of the five Vice-President roles (including VP Education for Health and VP Postgraduate).
• Nominations
  • Nominations Open: 10am, Monday 26 January
  • Nominations Close: 12pm, Monday 16 February
• Nominate yourself today at kclsu.org/elections/
• Have questions? Reach out to the Elections team at elections@kclsu.org or book a 1-to-1 chat with me at iyinoluwa.popoola@kclsu.org. 

~ Iyinoluwa, Student Community Organiser